Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Imperial Beach, CA?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Imperial Beach, CA, but only within specific commercial/mixed-use zones. The city permits STRs as defined as rentals for 30 consecutive days or less, operating under a regulated framework that requires proper licensing and tax compliance. Imperial Beach has chosen to allow STRs in designated commercial areas while maintaining restrictions to balance tourism economic benefits with community concerns.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Imperial Beach

Step 1: Verify Zoning Eligibility

Before proceeding, confirm your property is located within one of the approved commercial/mixed-use zones where STRs are permitted:

• C/MU-1: General commercial and mixed-use
• C/MU-2: Seacoast commercial and mixed-use
• C/MU-3: Neighborhood commercial and mixed-use
• C/R-ET: Commercial/recreational-ecotourism

Key geographic areas where these zones are concentrated include:

• Between Palm Avenue and Imperial Beach Boulevard
• Along Seacoast Drive, Palm Avenue and Highway 75
• 13th Street and Imperial Boulevard corridor

Step 2: Obtain Business License

Apply for the appropriate business license through the City's online Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal:

License Category: "Property Rental - Short Term"
Application Process: 100% online through CSS portal
Portal Access: Imperial Beach CSS Portal

Important Notes:

• Mobile devices are not supported; use desktop computer
• Self-service kiosks available at Imperial Beach City Hall
• City Hall hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Step 3: Tax Registration and Compliance

Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection responsibilities:

• Tax Rate: 14% of gross rental revenue (increased from 10% effective January 1, 2023)
• Filing Deadline: Last day of the month following collection
• Payment Methods: Online portal or mail with completed form

Step 4: Ongoing Compliance Requirements

• Maintain active business license status
• Collect and remit TOT monthly
• Monitor for code compliance issues
• Respond to city inquiries within specified timeframes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documents

1. Business License Application - "Property Rental - Short Term" category
2. Transient Occupancy Tax Registration
3. Completed TOT Return Forms - Monthly filing required
4. Property Documentation - Proof of ownership or legal authority to operate

Permit Requirements

• Business License - Mandatory before operation
• TOT Certificate - Required for tax collection authorization
• Fire Safety Inspection - As part of rental property safety requirements

Guidelines and Standards

• Occupancy Limit: Maximum 30 consecutive days per rental period
• Collection Responsibility: Operators must collect 14% TOT from guests
• Filing Requirements: Monthly TOT returns with payment

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Imperial Beach)

Permitted Zones: STRs only allowed in specific commercial/mixed-use districts (C/MU-1, C/MU-2, C/MU-3, C/R-ET)

Definition: STRs are defined as lodging rentals for 30 consecutive days or less

Tax Obligations:

• 14% Transient Occupancy Tax on gross rental revenue
• Monthly filing deadline: last day of the month following collection
• Late payment penalties: 10% penalty for late filing, additional 10% penalty if over 30 days delinquent, plus 0.5% monthly interest

Enforcement:

• City uses third-party monitoring to identify unlicensed STRs
• Unlicensed operation results in enforcement actions and fines
• Example enforcement: $1,000 fine for operating without business license

County-Level Regulations (San Diego County)

• No separate county STR regulations identified for Imperial Beach operations
• County services may be relevant for health permits (food service operations) and other business activities

State-Level Regulations (California)

• California Health and Safety Code requirements for rental properties
• State disability access requirements as applicable
• General business operation and tax obligations under California law

Local Authority Contact Information

Primary STR Regulatory Department

Community Development Department - Code Compliance Division

• Physical Address: 825 Imperial Beach Blvd, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
• Phone: 619-628-1358
• Email: Code Compliance Division
• Online Complaint Portal: Code Compliance Request Form
• Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Business Licensing

Business Licensing Division

• Online Portal: Imperial Beach CSS Portal
• Physical Address: 825 Imperial Beach Blvd, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
• Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
• Email Notifications: svc.CSSSMTP@tylerhost.net

Tax Collection

Finance Department

• Phone: 619-628-1365
• Email: adminservices@imperialbeachca.gov
• Physical Address: 825 Imperial Beach Boulevard, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
• TOT Online Filing: Transient Occupancy Tax Portal

Planning Division (Zoning Verification)

• Planning Staff Directory: Contact Information
• Zoning Maps: Land Use Map (PDF)
• GIS Tool: Imperial Beach Mapping System

Fire Safety and Inspections

Fire Prevention Division

• Phone: 619-423-8223
• Scheduled Inspection Requests: Available upon request

Source References

1. Imperial Beach News - STR Zoning Article: www.imperialbeachnewsca.com/business/article_e3a4615e-ab58-11ee-a8a3-e74944c5d784.html

2. Imperial Beach City FAQ - Business Licensing: www.imperialbeachca.gov/faq

3. Imperial Beach TOT Information: imperialbeachca.gov/537/Transient-Occupancy-Tax-TOT

4. San Diego STR Context (for regional awareness): www.goodlifemgmt.com/blog/short-term-rental-regulations-in-san-diego/

Additional Resources

• Imperial Beach Municipal Code: Available online for detailed regulations
• City Council Agendas and Minutes: For updates on STR policy changes
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife: For fishing license requirements near beach properties

Important Disclaimer: This guide is based on regulations current as of the provided sources. STR regulations are subject to change, and investors should verify current requirements with the City of Imperial Beach before making investment decisions.